Staffing becomes family affair at Turkish public university

A Turkish public university has come under criticism after every one of eight job openings supposedly allocated by examination went to close family members of existing members of the staff, according to a report by the neo-nationalist Sözcü daily.

Some were shocked at the family talent that arrived to fill positions ranging from teaching staff to advisor, and from anatomy assistant to administrative positions at Sivas Cumhuriyet University.

University staff, however, vehemently denied any wrongdoing had taken place. “There is no question of nepotism in the appointment of administrators’ family members,” university General Secretary Hakan Yekbaş said.

“Everyone who fits the criteria enters an exam, and those who are successful get the positions. There are some people who can’t stand this new administration: Their income has been cut off and they are blackmailing us.”

Deputy Dean of the Education Faculty Taner Çiftçi, whose wife was made a teaching staff member in the Health Services Vocational College, said nepotism was impossible. “Up until the present day, we have never deviated from justice,” he said. (SCF with Ahval)